Styrofoam Recycling

The material that Styrofoam is made from is polystyrene. Polystyrene is used in packing materials, take-out food containers, and as padding for packaging large appliances. Since Styrofoam is not considered “green,” we need to find an easy method to use for Styrofoam recycling.

Tips on Styrofoam recycling

First of all you will need to locate a recycling program that accepts Styrofoam. If you will visit Earth911.org and put the word “polystyrene” into their search engine, you will be able to locate the Styrofoam recycling center nearest to you.

The Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers will also accept used Styrofoam. You will need to ship it to them yourself, but since it is so light, it shouldn’t be very expensive. The shipping cost will be insignificant compared to the environmental savings.

If you are looking for someone to buy Styrofoam from you or your company, business, or school visit Recycled Plastic Markets Database to aid you with your search.

Close-to-home Styrofoam recycling

If you are not comfortable with the aforementioned methods for Styrofoam recycling, then you can visit a local craft store. Chances are they will be happy to take the Styrofoam, as it is used in many crafts.

If you are a do-it-yourselfer, Styrofoam can be used as insulation in non-residential buildings. International shipping companies will be happy to take the Styrofoam packing peanuts off your hands.